Project Title: Sensory Garden for the Community
Project Implementer:
Panevėžys Autism Association „Lietaus vaikai“
Project Partners:
A. Bandza Social Services Center, NGO „Panevėžio lietaus vaikai“
Implementation Period:
2022-10-01 – 2022-12-25
Project Location:
Staniūnų g. 41, Panevėžys, Lithuania
Project Funding:
Funded by the Panevėžys City Municipality.
Project Goal
To promote community engagement and strengthen social integration by creating the first Sensory Garden in Panevėžys, intended for diverse community groups: children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their families, seniors living at the A. Bandza Social Services Center, students from Beržai Progymnasium, and members of the Aukštaičiai–Žemaičiai community.
Project Objectives
To develop a visual design for the Sensory Garden in collaboration with professional landscape designers.
To present the Sensory Garden idea to the community during the “Pumpkin Festival” with around 100 participants.
To introduce the project to potential sponsors and ensure the future development of the Sensory Garden.
Target Groups
Children with autism and their family members (60 participants) – need: development of engagement and social skills.
Seniors at A. Bandza Social Services Center (40 participants) – need: daily activity enrichment and social interaction.
Students from Beržai Progymnasium (100 children) – need: educational and volunteering opportunities.
Members of the Aukštaičiai–Žemaičiai community (approx. 100 people) – need: access to a green space for community needs.
Project Activities
Development of the visual concept for the Sensory Garden (October 2022).
Organization of the Pumpkin Festival – a community event to introduce the Sensory Garden idea (October 31, 2022).
Presentation of the Sensory Garden idea to potential sponsors (October 31 – December 20, 2022).
Expected Results
A high-quality visual design for the Sensory Garden.
Informing the community about the project and engaging around 100 participants.
Establishing contacts with potential sponsors to encourage project continuity.
Impact
Short-term: Enhanced community collaboration and joint activities.
Long-term: Expansion of the Sensory Garden by 2025, its use for education, socialization, and work skills development—empowering socially vulnerable groups.
Project Continuity
Ongoing fundraising and volunteer involvement are planned for the continued development of the Sensory Garden. Implementation will proceed in collaboration with local communities and socially responsible companies.
Project Budget: € 3,806
Additional Information:
In 2024, with financial support from the company CENCORA, an 80-meter barefoot sensory path was installed in the garden area. It offers a unique sensory experience for community members and event participants, promoting mindfulness, relaxation, and connection with nature.
